Jeff Kassouf

Lead #NWSL + #USWNT writer, @ESPN | Founder, @EqualizerSoccer: | Co-author: | Sports Emmy-winner

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

The unbelievable moment that led to Paris FC's equalizer v Arsenal. Leah Williamson is called for the most bizarre handball infraction possible. The ref deems that Misa Rodriguez was putting the ball. Williamson thought she was taking the goal kick. #UWCL

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Brutal few days for Arsenal. Paris FC comes back from 2-0 down with goals in the 72' + 87' (PK) under some of the most bizarre circumstances you'll see for the late penalty. #UWCL

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

I DON'T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW #UWCL moment

Arsenal gives up an 87th minute equalizer to Paris FC on a penalty that is awarded because the ref deemed that Leah Williamson handled a ball in play. Williamson thought GK Misa Rodriguez was giving her the ball to take a goal kick.😳

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

I DON'T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW #UWCL moment

Arsenal gives up an 87th minute equalizer to Paris FC on a penalty that is awarded because the ref deemed that Leah Williamson handled a ball in play. Williamson thought GK Misa Rodriguez was giving her the ball to take a goal kick.😳

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Defender Savy King will join the U23 #USWNT next week, her first call-up at any level since her cardiac event in an #NWSL game and subsequent heart surgery in May 2025.

NWSL players make up the entire roster, a who's who of rising (and established) stars. https://t.co/qHccYXSEYF

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Alyssa Thompson's goal lifted Chelsea past Arsenal over the weekend. A major #UWCL match awaits today. Thompson has been building into a big-game player in plain sight for the past 18 months. Expect her to play a major role for the #USWNT at the World Cup.
https://t.co/YaEh49mdrm

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

#USWNT head coach Emma Hayes said it is her "hope" that forward Catarina Macario will be at the January training camp. That is the most definitive timeline there has been for Macario's return. She last played for club or country in December 2025.

https://t.co/GYQfE7Cnoq

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Catarina*

Foiled by Otter translation in real time

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Emma Hayes: "Do I expect that Caterina Macario will be available for the January camp? That's my hope. Do I think she could be back sooner? At what cost would be the question. She also has to respond to everything that goes well within that. She's on the grass. She's training."

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Emma Hayes sets the record straight that Evelyn Shores is indeed a left fullback, even for the #USWNT (listed as midfielder on this initial roster release).

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Emma Hayes: "Naomi Girma, she did take a knock in training today. I'm not entirely sure if Naomi will be on the roster, but I'm sure we will report something if that is the case. That might be the only change that we have to make."

Girma is on this #USWNT roster as of now.

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Emma Hayes says Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor are "still central to our plans" and will join the #USWNT U-23s, training on the same fields in Atlanta. U-23s are part of the "prescribed journey." Hayes said she doesn't want players sitting on the bench when they could get minutes.

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

NEWS: Yes, #NWSL leading scorer Ashley Sanchez is on the #USWNT camp roster for games vs. Spain. Naomi Girma + Sam Coffey are back. Also, 1st-time call-ups for Trinity Byars, Pietra Tordin, Evelyn Shores.

Noticeable absences: Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor. https://t.co/tvYT2W1IrN

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

NEWS: Yes, #NWSL leading scorer Ashley Sanchez is on the #USWNT camp roster for games vs. Spain. Naomi Girma + Sam Coffey are back. Also, 1st-time call-ups for Trinity Byars, Pietra Tordin, Evelyn Shores.

Noticeable absences: Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor. https://t.co/tvYT2W1IrN

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Gotham officially announces Rose Lavelle's contract extension through 2029. They are using the #NWSL's High Impact Player rule, as previously reported on @espn.

Lavelle: "This club has challenged me to keep growing and has given me the opportunity to compete for championships."

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

BREAKING: Sources tell ESPN that Gotham FC has re-signed #USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle through 2029. Lavelle was one of the top impending #NWSL free agents. She'll stay put after guiding Gotham to the 2025 NWSL Championship. HIP $ expected to be utilized.
https://t.co/RNIzLrCMgL

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

The NWSL will bring back its December youth combine in Florida and focus exclusively on "bringing together players ages 13-17 for a focused evaluation environment in front of NWSL clubs."

Relevant reporting from last week on a new player development rule:
https://t.co/2rsC4Tsc85

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

NEWS: The #NWSL has hired Meghan Frey, former sporting director of the Girls Academy, as the NWSL's new senior director of pathways and development. The role's remit is to "strengthen the pathways for prospective players and coaching staff into the professional game."

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Atlanta City FC: Let's hear your takes on the brand, and your alternative name suggestions. #NWSL
https://t.co/dyzqRfIzEX

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Futbol W is LIVE talking all things #NWSL and beyond. Join us at 8:30 pm ET on ESPN+ 👇

https://t.co/CaM6z9PRsn

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

@EtheV77 @EqualizerSoccer You're gonna be completely shocked

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

If you want to go down a rabbit hole on how early #NWSL teams—and the league itself—got their names and logos, I did a series on it years ago on @EqualizerSoccer . Start with Seattle Reign.
I promise you the NWSL logo silhouette is not who you think it is.
https://t.co/Z9IXZ4nK4m

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Borrowing Wiki graphic to save time: #NWSL launched with mostly "nickname" nomenclature in 2013. I think we will still see that in some form (Summit/Legacy) but literally all but one launch/rebrand the last 5 years has been "FC". Don't think that's changing. Over to you, Columbus